Statement of Faith
We believe in...
- The triune Godhead, externally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Ghost
- The Bible is the infallible Word of God
- Salvation through Christ, which is a redemption based upon His substitutionary death on the cross
- Baptism by Immersion
- The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
- The Five-Fold Ministry (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher) — for the Perfecting of the Saints
- The Virgin Birth
- Divine Health and Healing
- Deliverance
- The Prayer of Faith for any Need
- Resurrection from the dead
- The imminent appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ
- The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Mission Statement
Explanation — The purpose of this language for the Mission Statement is to tie together the explicit mission and activities of the organization to other documents in which the doctrinal statements of the organization are connected, thus reinforcing the application of your sincerely held religious beliefs on matters of human sexuality and abortion. Legal sources and precedents are numerically noted below the section.
CALLING — We are called, by Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit, to challenge all people to be fully devoted followers of Christ. Our calling includes both introduction to and encouragement to remain in a life of full devotion to Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17). We are charged with encouraging, equipping, serving and sustaining Christians. We do this by directly instilling our Christian philosophies, values, missions and goals in church members and those whom our ministry serves. [1] Liturgical religious activities (e.g. preaching, worship services, Bible instruction, communion, baptism), as well as non-liturgical religious activities (e.g. mentorship, service opportunities, events, community involvement), all serve as methods that World Ministry Fellowship utilizes to instill our religious values and beliefs, both expressly and by example. [2] Guided by Holy Scripture and the Holy Spirit, non-liturgical ministries are grounded in World Ministry Fellowship's Standard Operating Procedures and the "Written Statement of Faith" of World Ministry Fellowship and are therefore subject to all its ministerial, membership, discipline, and excision policies.
COMMUNITY — We believe that our religious activity and religious worship derives meaning in large measure from participation in a larger religious community. For this reason, individual members of our body play a large role in furthering our mission and viewpoint as an organization. [3] We exist to foster a Christ-like environment of persons subscribing to our religious beliefs and faith. [4] World Ministry Fellowship is dedicated to serving and providing for its community, not simply engaging in organized worship. [5] (Galatians 6:10)
Associating with like-minded Christians reinforces World Ministry Fellowship's Christian purpose and is vital to our faith's perpetuation. [6] (2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 John 1:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:33) We are committed to being and making disciples who understand what it means to follow Jesus Christ into a life of worship, fellowship, sacrifice, service and being led by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8; John 15:16; Mark 16:15) Therefore, we are also called to enable and equip the uncommitted and opposed to be fully devoted followers of Christ. (Colossians 4:5-6; Psalm 96:3)
Our mission as the body of Christ is to participate, share, and encourage each other toward spiritual growth. (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:23-35; Colossians 3:16) Membership in our organization requires a tangible commitment to our beliefs, purposes, and mission as outlined in World Ministry Fellowship membership policies, teachings, doctrines, Bylaws, Constitution, Articles of Incorporation, Standard Operation Procedures and Statement of Faith — and are therefore subject to all of its ministerial membership, discipline, and excision policies, which are incorporated herein by reference, as if fully set forth herein.
EXPRESSION OF FAITH — World Ministry Fellowship intends to transmit our system of religious beliefs, tradition, Christian morals, reverence, and values. [7] We do so by engaging the community and individuals' lives, acts of worship and through all activities in which we participate. [8] Likewise, we believe that all behavior of members and representatives of the organization is communicative in nature, exemplifying and expressing our faith, both publicly and privately. [9] (1 Peter 2:12) Any member or representative who propounds a point of view contrary to our beliefs as stated in our Purpose Statement, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, Standard Operating Procedures and Statement of Faith, which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein, will impair World Ministry Fellowship's integrity and ability to disseminate is religious views and message. [10] (James 4:4; 1 Corinthians 5:11-12)
OUTREACH OF MINISTRIES — We take very seriously the Biblical charge to be a Christian presence in a secular world. [11] (Matthew 5:14-16) Therefore, all activities that World Ministry Fellowship engages in are intended to further its religious purpose, as stated in our Purpose Statement. As such, all of our associated ministries are considered an outgrowth of the mission of World Ministry Fellowship to preach, teach, evangelize, equip and instill the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. [12]
[1] See Circle Sch. v. Tappert, 381 F.3d 172, 182 (3d Cir. 2004).
[2] See Boy Scouts of Am. v. Dale, 520 U.S. 640, 655-656 (2000).
[3] See Corporation of Presiding Bishop of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints v. Amos, 483 U.S. 327, 342 (1987) (Brennan, J., concurring in judgment); Roberts v. United States Jaycees 468 U.S. 609, 622 (1984).
[4] See Boy Scouts of Am., 530 U.S. at 654.
[5] See Amos, 483 U.S. at 344 (Brennan, J., concurring)
[6] See HEB Ministries, Inc. v. Texas Higher Educ. Coordinating Bd., 235 S.W.3d 627. 659-660 (Tex. 2007)
[7] See Boy Scouts of Am., 530 U.S. at 655-56 (quoting Roberts, 468 U.S. at 636)
[8] See Boy Scouts of Am., 530 U.S. at 655-56
[9] See id. At 648; Spencer v World Vision, Inc., 633 F.3d 723, 734 (9th Cir. 2011); Univ of Great Falls v NLRB, 278 F.3d 1335, 1343 (D.C. cir. 2002); Universidad Cent. De Bayamon v NLRB 793 F.2d 383, 399-400 (1st Cir. 1985)
[10] See Boy Scouts of Am., 530 U.S. at 643 (quoting Hurley v Irish-American Gay, 515 U.S. 557, 576-577 (1995))
[11] See Little v Wuerl, 929 F.2d 944, 945-46 (3d Cir. 1991)
[12] See Hall v. Baptist Mem'l Health Care Corp., 215 F.3d 618, 622 (6th Cir. 2000); Cline v. Catholic Diocese, 206 F.3d 651, 655-56 (6th Cir. 1999)
Purpose Statement
We are motivated in all facets by our faith in Jesus Christ, attempting to serve as a reflection of God's unconditional love for all people. [1] We seek to honor the Lord in all that we do by operating World Ministry Fellowship in a manner consistent with Biblical principles. [2] Every activity and speech that World Ministry Fellowship or its employees, representatives, volunteers, or members engage in shall be consistent with, and in furtherance of, World Ministry Fellowship's religious purposes, both publicly and privately.
All activities in which World Ministry Fellowship engages are for the religious purpose of furthering its Christian mission, message and viewpoint in serving like-minded ministries associated with WMF. Whether the activity has an overt liturgical religious purpose (preaching, worship, Bible instruction, communion, baptism) or a related non-liturgical religious purpose (social service activties, weddings, primary and secondary schools, or events), all activities of the Organization are intended to glorify God. (Colossians 3:17) World Ministry Fellowship conducts all activities in a holistic manner in order to foster, repeat, advertise or express its Christian mission, message and viewpoint. [4] In this way, every organization activity itself is infused with religious purpose, as an act of worship, intending to further the members of World Ministry Fellowship's religious beliefs and commitment to the faith as outlined in World Ministry Fellowship's Standard Operating Procedures and Statement of Faith (the "Written Statement of Faith"), which are incorporated herein by reference, as if fully set forth herein [5].
Conveying World Ministry Fellowship's Christian message is at the heart of all that we do, in life, deed, word and expression. [6] World Ministry Fellowship is dedicated to serving and providing for its community, not simply to engage in organized worship. [7] Provision of charity and community services, including but not limited to care for children, widows, and those in need, as well as evangelism, strengthening Christian leadership, discipleship and Biblical education, primary and secondary education, are means of fulfilling Christian duty and providing an example of the Christ-like way of life that World Ministry Fellowship seeks to foster. [8] (James 1:27; Mark 16:15; Titus 1:7-9; Matthew 28:19-20) Therefore, all behavior of members, representatives, and volunteers of the organization is communicative in nature, exemplifying the faith. Associating with like-minded Christians reinforces World Ministry Fellowship's Christian purpose and is vital to the faith's perpetuation. [9] (Hebrews 10:24-25) Finally, the primary, exclusive, and only purposes for which World Ministry Fellowship is organized are religious in nature, including but not limited to conducting missions and services. Likewise, World Ministry Fellowship intends to disseminate, teach, equip, empower and preach the Gospel and teachings of Jesus Christ, to encourage and aid the growth, nurture and spread of Christianity and to render Christian service. [10] The recital of these purposes is intended to be exclusive of any and all other purposes, this organization begins formed for religious and charitable purposes only. [11]
[1] Spencer v. World Vision, Inc., 633 F.3d 723, 735 (9th Cir. 2011)
[2] Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., 134 S. Ct. 2751, 2766 (2014)
[3] See World Vision, Inc., 633 F.3d 723, 734 (9th Cir. 2011); Univ of Great Falls v NLRB, 278 F.3d 1335, 1343 (D.C. cir. 2002); Universidad Cent. De Bayamon v NLRB 793 F.2d 383, 399-400 (1st Cir. 1985) (en band) (Breyer, J.)
[4] See Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, 515 U.S. 557, 581 (1995)
[5] See Corporation of Presiding Bishop of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints v. Amos, 483 U.S. 327, 342 (1987) (Brennan, J., concurring in judgment)
[6] See World Vision, 633 F.3d at 434
[7] See Amos, 483 U.S. at 344 (Brennan, J., concurring)
[8] See id.
[9] See HEB Ministries, Inc. v. Texas Higher Educ. Coordinating Bd., 235 S.W.3d 627. 659-660 (Tex. 2007)
[10] See World Vision, 633 F.3d at 736
[11] See id. At 726; Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602, 628 (1971)
Additional Statements of Faith
Statement of Faith: Abortion
Preamble
We believe that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of Holy Scripture, which is our inspired, infallible, and inerrant guide. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Because Holy Scripture speaks to creation and human life, it is imperative that we correctly understand, articulate, and abide by what Holy Scripture teaches on this matter.
We believe that God has created mankind in His image (Imago Dei) and that human life begins at fertilization. God, in His infinite sovereignty, uniquely formed human beings and gave them a special dignity, personal freedom, and individual accountability among all the works of creation. Human beings have been made for relationship with God and to be good and faithful stewards of creation. God created each person's inmost being, knitting each person together in his mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13) As God's individualized and personal creation, each person is fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) God has ordained all the days of each person's life before he came to be. (Psalm 139:16)
Religious Beliefs
Based on Holy Scripture, we believe:
From the moment of fertilization until natural death, every human life is sacred because every human life as been created by God, in His image and likeness. From the moment of fertilization, every human life must be recognized, respected, and protected as having the rights of a person and the inviolable right to life. The right to life and physical integrity of every unborn human life is inviolable — it is not a concession made by society or the state, but is instead inherent to the unborn human life by virtue of its creation in the image of God. Because human life begins at the moment of fertilization, it is against our religious and moral conviction to formally or materially cooperate in the termination of unborn human life. We are strongly committed to the preservation and defense of unborn human life, which compels our religious, moral, and ethical duty to defend unborn human life from destruction, whether by surgical abortion or use of drugs, devices, or services that have the intent, design, effect, or risk of terminating unborn human life or preventing its implantation and growth post-fertilization. The Church and all her ministers and ministries should publicly witness to society and to the state regarding the intrinsic, inherent, and inviolable dignity of all human life, from fertilization to natural death.
Holy Scripture
In standing against abortion, this organization incorporates by reference the following Holy Scriptures, which are cited in the statements, resolutions, commentaries, or doctrines of Christian denominations that are expressly and vocally opposed to abortion: Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, Presbyterian Church in America, Roman Catholic Church, and Southern Baptist Convention.
Genesis 1:26-27
Genesis 25:21-22
Exodus 20:13
Psalm 22:9-10
Psalm 139:13-16
Isaiah 44:1-2
Isaiah 49:5
Job 10:8-12
Jeremiah 1:4-5
Luke 1:39-45
Early Church Fathers' Statements on Sanctity of Human Life
"Thus, you read the word of God, spoken to Jeremiah: 'Before I formed thee in the womb, I new thee.' If God forms us in the womb, He also breathes on us as He did in the beginning: 'And God formed man and breathed into him the breath of life.' Nor could God have known man in the womb unless he were a whole man. 'And before thou camest forth from the womb, I sanctified thee.' Was it, then, a dead body at that stage? Surely it was not, for "God is the God of the living and not the dead." - Tertullian, De Anima
"It is not permissible for us to destroy the seed by means of illicit manslaughter once it has been conceived in the womb, so long as blood remains in the person." - Tertullian, Apologia
"Why sow where the ground makes it its care to destroy the fruit? Where there are many efforts at abortion? Where there is murder before the birth … Why then dost thou abuse the gift of God, and fight with His laws, and follow after what is a curse as if a blessing, and make the chamber of procreation a chamber for murder, and arm the woman that was given for childbearing unto slaughter?" - John Chrysostom, Homily 24
"This lustful cruelty, or if you please, cruel lust, resorts to such extravagant methods as to use poisonous drugs to secure barrenness; or else, if unsuccessful in this, to destroy the conceived seed by some means previous to birth, preferring that its offspring should rather perish than receive vitality; or if it was advancing to life within the womb, should be slain before it was born." - Augustine, De Nube et Concupiscentia
"Therefore brothers, you see how perverse they are and hastening wickedness, who are immature, they seek abortion of the conception before the birth; they are those who tell us, 'I do not see that which you say must be believed.'" - Augustine, Sermon 126
"Thou shalt not slay the child by procuring abortion; nor, again, shalt thou destroy it after it is born." - Barnabas, Letter
Statement of Faith: Marriage & Human Sexuality
We believe that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of Holy Scripture, which is our infallible guide. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Since the Holy Bible does speak to the nature of human beings and their sexuality, it is imperative that we correctly understand and articulate what the Bible teaches on these matters.
We are committed to the home and family as set forth in Holy Scripture. We believe God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman, with absolute marital fidelity. The Bible sets forth specific home and family values, which include the distinct roles of husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and children. It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual as we embrace the unchanging and longstanding principles of scriptural truth.
Religious Beliefs
Based on Holy Scripture, we believe:
Marriage — World Ministry Fellowship defines marriage as the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal "one flesh" union of one man and one woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. (Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5-9, Ephesians 5:31-33)
Sexual Immorality — World Ministry Fellowship believes that sexual acts outside marriage are prohibited as sinful. Consequently, World Ministry Fellowship members must resist and refrain from any and all sexual acts outside marriage — including, but not limited to adultery, fornication, incest, zoophilia, pornography, prostitution, masturbation, voyeurism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, sodomy, polygamy, polyamory, solo-gamy, or same-sex sexual acts. (Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18:7-23, Leviticus 20:10-21, Deuteronomy 5:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 13:4, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:17-19, Colossians 3:5)
Gender Identity — World Ministry Fellowship believes that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal personal dignity. Consequently, World Ministry Fellowship members must affirm their biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex — including but not limited to elective sex-reassignment, transvestite, transgender, or binary "genderqueer" acts or conduct. (Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Sexual Orientation — World Ministry Fellowship believes that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal "one flesh" union of man and woman, intrinsically ordered to procreation and biological family, and in the furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child. Consequently, World Ministry Fellowship members must affirm the sexual complementarity of man and woman and resist any and all same-sex sexual attractions and refrain from any and all same-sex sexual acts or conduct, which are intrinsically disordered. (Genesis 1;27, Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:5-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2)
Sexual Redemption — World Ministry Fellowship believes that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and should seek redemption through confession, repentance, baptism, and faith in Jesus Christ. Consequently, World Ministry Fellowship members must welcome and treat with respect, compassion, and sensitivity all who experience same-sex attractions or confess sexually immoral acts but are committed to resisting sexual temptation, refraining from sexual immorality, and conforming their behavior to World Ministry Fellowship's Statement of Faith. (Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16)
Celibacy — World Ministry Fellowship believes that Holy Scripture grants two life-enhancing options for human sexual behavior: (1) the conjugal "one flesh" marital union of one man and one woman, and (2) celibacy. Either is a gift from God, given as He wills for His glory and the good of those who receive and rejoice in His gift to them. Celibacy and faithful singleness is to be celebrated and affirmed within World Ministry Fellowship. (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18, 21-24; Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:5-8; Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians 7:1-8; Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Romans 12:10; 1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Holy Scripture:
Marriage and Human Sexuality
Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 2:18-24
Genesis 19:5-10
Exodus 20:14
Leviticus 18:7-23
Leviticus 10:10-21
Deuteronomy 5:18
Judges 19;22-24
Matthew 5:27-28
Matthew 15:19
Matthew 19:4-9
Mark 10:5-9
Romans 1:26-27
1 Corinthians 6:9-13
1 Corinthians 5:11
Galatians 5:19
Ephesians 4:17-19
Ephesians 5:25-27
Ephesians 5:31
Colossians 3:5
1 Thessalonians 4:3
Hebrews 13:4
1 Timothy 1:8-10
Jude 1:7
Revelation 19:7-9
Revelation 21:2
Pastoral Care
Matthew 11:28-30
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:1-10
1 Corinthians 10:13
Hebrews 2:17-18
Hebrews 4:14-16
Application
All of our members, employees, and volunteers must affirm and adhere to this Doctrinal and Religious Absolute statement on marriage and human sexuality to qualify for involvement with the ministry. This is necessary to accomplish our religious mission, goals and purpose. Behavior or counter-witnessing that does otherwise will impede and burden our integrity and religious mission. We believe that God's grace can wipe the slate of guilt and sin, though the consequences are still incurred.
Authority
The Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God, acting as the source of authority over morality, our beliefs, Christian lifestyle and conduct. World Ministry Fellowship's Executive Board is charged with the ministerial responsibility of Biblical interpretation and promulgating religious policy. The Executive Board will determine life application as well as final matters relating to church theology, philosophy, Christian practice, faith, divine truth, morality, and theological and doctrinal resolutions.